Education
Learn more about the things you should know or would like to know about HVAC systems and maintenance. Have a specific question in mind? Let us know!
When preparing for commercial buildouts, HVAC planning sometimes takes a back seat until it becomes a problem. Whether you’re a contractor overseeing a retrofit or a building owner reconfiguring interior space, your success hinges on one critical factor — HVAC adaptability. Unlike new construction, commercial buildouts in existing structures demand custom HVAC strategies that work with (not against) what’s already in place. The right approach can help your team get more work done and ensure everyone is comfortable all year long. At The Severn Group, we’ve seen what happens when HVAC is an afterthought. This guide can make sure it doesn’t happen to you.
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Commercial tenant turnover could cost you as much as 30-40% of the site’s annual lease value. While tenant turnover is an inevitable part of managing commercial properties, you can mitigate these costs with certain actions. The time between tenants is a critical time for building maintenance and, specifically, plumbing inspections and repairs. Taking advantage of this period during tenant turnover can help prevent major maintenance expenses. If plumbing systems aren’t properly inspected and maintained before a new tenant moves in, it can lead to costly repairs, delays, and unhappy occupants. Here’s how to prepare your plumbing systems for tenant turnover so you can avoid these headaches.
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Plumbing emergencies can be just as disruptive—and costly—as HVAC failures, yet they often take a back seat in facility management planning. From burst pipes to sewer backups, unexpected plumbing issues can damage property, interrupt operations, and result in expensive repairs.
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Large commercial buildings often experience hot and cold spots, negative pressure areas, and other abnormalities that make certain areas uncomfortable. Installing a high-quality HVAC system and scheduling regular maintenance services can help mitigate these issues. However, commercial systems also require load balancing. Load balancing is a crucial but often overlooked factor in maintaining indoor comfort. It can address temperature inconsistencies in your commercial building and reduce energy consumption. Ensuring balanced airflow and pressure will also extend the life of your HVAC system. Here’s everything you need to know.
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On average, businesses incur about $2.14 per square foot in utility expenses. While keeping the lights on represents a portion of that cost, a huge chunk of your company’s energy consumption can be attributed to heating and cooling. If your business operates in one of the many older buildings in the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. area, there’s a good chance that you’ll pay even more to heat and cool your building. A property’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system needs a ton of power to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. If you are looking at ways to reduce your monthly utility bills, adopting some HVAC energy-saving tips is the natural place to start. Here are seven energy-saving tips to jumpstart your efforts.
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Establishing a comfortable working environment for your team members can foster greater productivity and focus while on the clock. One of the biggest variables to be aware of when doing so is the temperature of your building. And that means ensuring its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment is up for the task. When you know how to optimize HVAC systems in your facility, you can maintain balanced temperatures. In turn, you’ll ensure your team members feel their best through every shift. Here’s what you need to know.
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As a facility manager or property owner, you know that maintaining your property’s infrastructure is critical to ensuring operational efficiency, tenant satisfaction, and long-term cost savings. One area that often gets overlooked until it’s too late is preventative plumbing maintenance. A single burst pipe or major clog can lead to costly repairs, operational downtime, and even reputational damage.
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As a commercial property owner, it’s vital that you understand HVAC efficiency ratings. After all, heating and cooling your commercial space represents one of your largest operating expenses. Familiarizing yourself with these metrics is especially important if you are shopping for a new heating and cooling system or preparing to retrofit your existing HVAC equipment. With that in mind, here’s everything you need to know about HVAC efficiency ratings.
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Winter pipe bursts can wreak havoc on your business. In addition to causing costly damages, burst pipes also lead to unexpected downtime and disruptions to daily operations. With winter fast approaching, it’s vital that you do everything possible to ensure your building’s plumbing system is ready for freezing temperatures. Proper plumbing maintenance helps safeguard your property and keeps your business running smoothly all year. Learn how to prevent winter pipe bursts while keeping your plumbing in top shape.
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With proper upkeep, your commercial HVAC system can last approximately 15 years. However, heating and cooling technology is constantly evolving, which means your stock HVAC system won’t be able to compete with modern equipment after it’s a few years old. Enter HVAC retrofitting, a cost-effective alternative to a full system replacement that delivers improved performance and reduced operating costs. HVAC retrofitting ensures your heating and cooling system meets your company’s needs while maximizing equipment lifespan. Here’s everything you need to know.
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